Special Holiday Issue -- Winter 2007/2008
www.rexmarine.com

In This Issue:

New Boats and Plans for the Rex Boating Club

Rex Technicians Off to Winter Schools

Late Season Fishing

ARCTIC SCOUT Completes Sea Trials

The Rex Marine Discover Boating Holiday Gift Pack $625.00 value for only $299.00!

The Tropical Dive Alternative to Winter Snows

Inflatable Boat/Motor Package Sale

The REX Inflatable Boat Experience vs. The Discount Houses

Ship Models Under the Tree?

Help with Your Winter Project

USCG Aux Needs You

Peace of Mind When you Boat ….

Winter Boating – Take Care out There

Inflatable Boat Winter Storage

TOYS FOR TOTS

New Boats and Plans for the Rex Boating Club

The Rex Boating Club is proud to announce that we have added a Sea Ray 300 Sundancer sport cruiser to our fleet to provide members the option of a broader experience. The 33-foot boat is designed and equipped for weekend or extended family cruising. Rex Boating Club founder Bill Gardella is developing several use plans for this boat to be presented later this month. Training Captain Dick Aarons is working on training curricula for those members who want to upgrade from day boating to cruising with the exciting 300 Sundancer. You can learn more about this remarkable boat by visiting:  http://www.searay.com/2007_sea_ray_sport_cruisers_300_sundancer.asp


The Boating Club, now in its third year, will also add more SeaRay 240 Sundecks to its fleet to accommodate new members. The Club additionally offers the versatile Boston Whaler 210 Ventura for your fishing and cruising pleasures. The club carefully maintains the member-to-boat ratio to assure excellent availability for our members.
      The Rex Boating Club, based at the Rex Marine in SONO, is the “alternative to boat ownership.” Members schedule their uses online and simply show up at the dock and use the boats. The club takes care of everything else – cleaning, maintenance, storage, insurance, etc. RBC membership includes one-day training for new boaters to acquire their Connecticut Safe Boating Certificates, comprehensive on-water training with a USCGA licensed captain, as well as optional advanced training for experienced boaters desiring to improve their skills.
      Membership plans for 2008 are shown below. Peak season begins on May 24 and ends on Sept. 7. Call Bill Gardella Jr’s cell phone at 203-984-1278.  If you prefer, e-mail him at wgardellajr@RexBoatingClub.com , or visit www.RexBoatingClub.com for more information.

Captain’s Choice Plan
10 peak-season uses. Designed for an individual or one family/couple.
Price: $4,995

Admiral’s Option Plan
15 peak-season uses. Designed for an individual or one family/couple.
Price: $5,995 

Shared Membership Plan
16 peak-season uses.  Designed to be shared by two individuals or two family/couple units. The RBC Scheduling System treats this membership as a single entity.
Price: $7495

Nearly Limitless Membership Plan
150 boating days. Designed for an individual or one family/couple. This plan allows unlimited weekday uses and one use per weekend.
Price: $6,995.

Weekday-10 Membership Plan
10 peak-season weekday uses. Designed for an individual or one family/couple.
Price: $3,750.

Weekday-15 Membership Plan
15 peak-season weekday uses over a 2-year membership period. Designed for an individual or one family/couple.
Price: $5,950. 

Weekday-Unlimited Membership Plan
Unlimited weekday uses.  Designed for an individual or one family/couple. Training limited to one operator.
Price $4,995

Weekday per-diem Membership Plan
Unlimited weekday uses charged at a per diem rate after membership fee, which includes one SBC course, a Sea Tow policy, and on-water training for one operator.
Membership fee: $995. Plus daily use charges:
- Up to five-hours: $395 plus fuel.           

(click here to return to the main menu)

Rex Technicians Off to Winter Schools

As is the Rex Marine Center tradition, our service technicians spend significant time over the winter months upgrading their skills.  This year we have three techs attending the Mercury/Mercruiser Service Manager Institute in New Hampshire – Jeff Green, service department foreman; Sal Cicale, service/warranty specialist; and, John Hibbard, service department manager.
     Technician Jim Kapp will be concentrating on Mercruiser EFI engines advance systems.  Technician Nick Matozzo, as usual, will be sharpening his diesel engine trouble shooting skills and working on various re-power projects. Technician Mark McCormick is attending Yamaha outboard school.
      Walter Walsh, director inflatable repair services, planned to review new techniques in Zodiac repairs, while Jose Centano, inflatable repair technician, is honing his skills patching advanced inflatable materials.
     Jenn Hibbard, service department office manager, and Ermine Alford, our storage dept. administrator, will be working on improving our information collection procedures with the goal of reducing your paperwork.
     With the newer inboard engines and outboard motors, it is difficult to tell where the engine stops and the electronics begin.  All the new engines and motors have at least one microprocessor under the cowl and some have several. Troubleshooting today’s marine hardware requires a balanced knowledge of traditional gasoline and diesel engine mechanics, digital testing equipment and computer programming.
     It would be a challenge if our technicians dealt only with one manufacturer’s engines, but Rex Marine Center is a certified repair and warranty station for several -- Mercury and Yamaha outboards and Mercruiser, Yanmar, and Crusader inboards.  Rex Marine is also the region’s only authorized repair station for Zodiac and Mercury inflatable boats. To maintain our certifications and a high level of customer satisfaction just about everyone will go back to school this winter.

(click here to return to the main menu)

Late Season Fishing

This year (2007) has been one of ups and downs but let's face it...if you think back carefully there have been many years that followed a similar pattern! We had a later-than-normal start to the saltwater action but the striper fishing really turned on by early June. Fly and light tackle anglers were taking advantage of incredible fishing around huge schools of sand eels along our local coastline. This action lasted right into July as the bait refused to leave the area.
      Many anglers caught their first fly rod keeper bass as the fish were very concentrated in and around the Mill Pond, Compo and Sherwood Point. This concentration of bait and fish created crowded conditions at times but with a little bit of courtesy everyone came up with their share of the action. The flip side of the hot inshore action was the relatively slow chunk bite around the Islands. Many anglers made the pilgrimage west to Manhassett and Hempstead to get in on striped bass up to 40 lbs. The far western sound held plenty of bunker for the better part of the spring and summer and the larger fish stayed close by.
      As the spring progressed we had some good reports of stripers to 30 lbs. caught on bunker chunks near deep drop-offs to the south of the islands. The Milford - Bridgeport corridor fared better this season with many fish being taken in the 30 lb. range near Stratford Shoal and the BH Buoy. The Housy had another good year on big blues as we headed in September and the blues are still pushing bait miles up stream from it's confluence with the Sound.
      Fly and light tackle fisherman experienced the typical slow down in action for the summer months but anglers pulling tubes tipped with a sandworm cashed in on some decent summer into early fall fishing. Our fluke fishing was much improved over the 2006 season but still left some wondering where the larger numbers were. 
      The most memorable aspect of this season to date was the insane Bonito fishing. In over 30 years of chasing these little screamers we have never seen so many and for so long in the Norwalk Islands - and sushi lovers rejoiced!! The fish arrived in early September and remained for well over a month in our general area only to be followed up by false albacore which have been spotty at best at the writing of this article. At this writing, as we are nearing the end of October, the top water fishing is improving again and it's time to break out the feathered peanut bunker imitations as well as poppers, rattle traps and storm baits. Bluefish can still be found on most reefs and near shore at high tide, but they will soon be replaced by schoolie stripers and hopefully some larger bass feeding on the abundant supply of peanut bunker.
      Blackfishing was off to a bang as we headed into November and it was one of the best starts on memory with many 5-to-9 lb. fish being taken in less than 10 feet of water. The focus of most boat fisherman will be deep water jigging as we head into late November and beyond and the populations of bass appear to be large on the deep rips. Fly and light tackle enthusiasts have also enjoyed some excellent fall fishing near Stratford and Milford as well as Westport and Norwalk as November neared.
      For those seeking winter fishing opportunities schoolie bass are always available near warm water discharges and in the major river systems like the Housatonic, Thames and CT River. Locally the Saugatuck will be holding small bass throughout the winter as well. On the freshwater front the Farmington and Housatonic Rivers always offer some challenging midge fishing in the no-kill zones. The Farmington specifically as it is a tailwater flowing from beneath a dam and it is able to maintain a water temperature in the 50 degree range all winter allowing a trout's metabolism to remain active. The true challenge is matching the hatch using flies as small as size 28 on 8x tippets! For the traveling angler there is always the Salmon River in Pulaski, NY fishing for Steelhead and Brown Trout. Learn more about Fall and Winter fishing here:
      There is always somewhere to wet a line even in our immediate area so don't let the winter blues get you down.

About the Authors: Captain Chris Elser works and guides out of Westport Outfitters located inside of Cove Marina.  He has fished the local area for over 30 years.

Eric Johnson is the owner of Westport Outfitters.  Since reopening the store over two years ago, he and his staff have quickly become the go to source for anything fishing and boating related within Fairfield County and beyond.

Stay Tuned!! Over the winter months Westport Outfitters will be conducting a series of educational seminars (FREE!) as well as a host of fly tying classes for all levels.  Check out www.westportoutfitters.com for more information or call the shop at 203.831.8036.

(click here to return to the main menu)

ARCTIC SCOUT Completes Sea Trials

The Glacier Society’s youth training vessel Arctic Scout has completed successfully a series of shakedown cruises after a major conversion from its original configuration as a Coast Guard arctic survey boat (ASB) to a maritime training platform. Over the winter, young people from several organizations will be making plans for spring and summer on-water training cruises. They include the Sea Cadets; Edson Division (New Haven); the Navy Junior ROTC Cadets (Brien McMahon High South Norwalk), Boy Scout Troop 104 (Beacon Falls) and the Harbor Watch organization (Westport).
     Once on board, the scouts and cadets will receive hands-on boat handling experience and navigation practice. The Harbor Watch student interns will use their time on board to collect water quality data in regional harbors to be used ultimately by the Connecticut’s Departments of Environmental Protection and Fisheries.
     Volunteers and private funding supports the Arctic Scout training program and vessel operation.
     Arctic Scout is a former U.S. Coast Guard arctic survey boat. ASBs are carried aboard icebreakers to provide stable platforms to conduct cold climate scientific surveys, take depth soundings ahead of the ship, assist in rescue operations, ferry personnel from ship to shore, and serve as a lifeboats. The ASB design replaced the older Greenland Cruiser in the 1960’s.
     The Coast Guard launched Arctic Scout as ASB 39020 in 1965 at Bellingham, Washington. She is constructed of a single skin fiberglass hull with a reinforced bow for minor icebreaking and a reinforced belt around the waterline for protection against ice fields. The hull contains a collision bulkhead, watertight lazarette, and watertight deck hatches. The propeller is protected by a skeg and keel. The keel is lead ballasted for self-righting capability. Propulsion is provided by a single Diesel engine and AC electrical power by a Diesel generator. Arctic Scout has a length of 39 feet, beam of 11 feet, 3 inches, draft of 4 feet, and displacement of 12 tons. Her normal Coast Guard crew size was six.
     In September 2000, volunteer members of the Glacier Society acquired the retired ASB from the Curtis Bay Coast Yard near Baltimore and restored her to operational condition. In May 2001, Arctic Scout (then named Icebucket) sailed up to New York City where she participated in Fleet Week, an annual public tour of international naval vessels sponsored by the U.S. Navy, the Intrepid Museum, and New York City. Arctic Scout continued on to Connecticut where she visited the Coast Guard Academy and remained on exhibit at Mystic Seaport during the summer and autumn of that year.
     The professional staff at Brewer's Pilots Point Marina in Westbrook engineered and executed the conversion work which was supported by contributions of equipment and service by the project’s commercial sponsors.
     The Arctic Scout program is staffed and funded by volunteers – individual and corporate. You can find more information by contacting the Glacier Society at 866-ICE-PLAY or you can check out their website at www.glaciersociety.org.

(click here to return to the main menu)

The Rex Marine Discover Boating Holiday Gift Pack
$625.00 value for only $299.00!

The recreational pleasures of summer activities on Long Island Sound are among the ways nature compensates us for New England winters.  You can help someone on your holiday gift list discover the joys of Long Island Sound boating with the Rex Marine Discover Boating Gift Package.
     Rex Marine and the Rex Boating Club have put together this package  — one that begins giving immediately and culminates in the spring with a harbor tour or on-water lesson aboard one of the Clubs SeaRay 240 Sundecks.
     The Rex Discover Boating Gift Package includes all these items:

• A complete, one-day Connecticut-approved Safe Boating Certificate Course.
• A signed copy of the 480-page Small Boat Seamanship Manual edited by our own RBC Training Captain Dick Aarons.
• U.S. Chart No. 1. This is the compete guide to nautical chart symbols, abbreviations and terms – the leading reference book for understanding nautical charts,  explaining basic chart elements and terms.
• A U.S. government nautical chart of the waters between Greenwich and Fairfield including the beautiful Norwalk Islands.
• Navigation Rules book published by the US Coast Guard
• A complete navigation training course on DVD, Enjoy the Ride, created by our good friend Captain Greg Trotta, founder of the local boating safety and training firm Sound Environment Associates.
• A Maptech Embassy Long Island Sound Cruising Guide, the perfect navigation companion when you’re planning your trip and underway. This hefty book is filled with all the details of where-to-go and what-to-do as well as navigation advice,  a most enjoyable read.
• A deluxe Weems & Plath Navigation Tool Kit including parallel rule, dividers, and time-speed-distance computer in a protective carrying case.  
• A certificate for $100 worth of free fuel redeemable with Rex Boating Club Membership.
• And, the most exciting element of the Rex Discover Boating Holiday Gift Package — A two-hour Norwalk Harbor Tour or two hours of hands-on underway instruction with one of  the Rex Boating Club’s Coast Guard-licensed training captains in a new Rex Boating Club boat.  

The Rex Boating Club Holiday Gift Pack -— a $625 value specially priced at only $299 — is assembled into a beautiful gift basket.  You can pick up your gift package at either Rex Center Store by calling Bill Gardella Jr., or Mike Maver, at 203-831-5236. (We can also ship this package for express delivery to a lucky person on your gift list.) 

(click here to return to the main menu)

The Tropical Dive Alternative to Winter Snows

Rex Dive Center continues to enhance its special collection of holiday gifts ranging from beginners Learn-To-Dive Lesson packages to five- and seven-day dive tours at beautiful warm water destinations in the Cayman Islands, St. Thomas and St. Croix.
     The January highlight is a dive trip to Cayman including a week of expert underwater digital photography/video seminars ; February features a Snorkeling with Whales Liveaboard Trip in Turks/Caicos; April is time for a Family Oriented Scuba Trip to Bonaire.  Make sure to take a look at our 6-megapixil underwater digital cameras starting at only $249! Great for snorkelers, beachgoers, boaters and scuba divers.
     The Dive Center’s most popular holiday gift is the Learn-To-Dive package that leads to PADI open-water dive certification. The package includes all the classroom and pool instruction the recipient needs to qualify for a PADI open-water dive test. Academic and pool instruction takes place locally year round. The PADI referral letter can then be presented instructors at dive resorts anywhere in the world where the final open water phase can be completed.
     Learn-to-Dive packages are priced from $249 to $399 (depending on local pool charges). Package materials are attractively presented in a gift kit. The kit also includes use of air tank, regulator, and buoyancy compensator. Scuba fins, masks, and snorkels are fitted equipment that are purchased separately. Rex Dive offers student discounts on these items.
     Caribbean dive tour packages range in price from $900 to $1,900 per person depending on travel arrangements and are a terrific addition to the Learn-to-Dive kit. Of course, tours are available for seasoned divers as well. The Dive training and Dive tour packages can be purchased on the dive shop’s website at www.rexdive.com or you can call Dive Center owner Jon Wilkins at 1-888-260-DIVE.
     Rex Dive Center is the largest PADI training facility in CT and 3rd largest in Northeast US. The Rex Dive center also has added online scuba classes in which students do ALL their academic preparations online and only meet for pool sessions.
     You are always welcome to stop in at the Rex Dive Center at Rex Marine at 144 Water Street in South Norwalk, or give us a call at  203.853.4148. If you prefer, here is my email address: jon@rexdive.com.  Of course, Gift Certificates are available in any denomination.
Print out and bring in this eNewsletter for 10% off any Training or Gift Purchases through 2007!

(click here to return to the main menu)

Inflatable Boat/Motor Package Sale
Mike Maver, manager of the Rex Marine stores and inflatable boat specialist is offering three great boat/outboard packages while supplies last, at prices below the discounters and service that always beats the competition.
     The Rex Marine Centers are Western Connecticut’s busiest inflatable boat dealers and operate the only factory approved Mercury and Zodiac inflatable boat service centers.  The Norwalk stores also sell and support new and used Mercury and Yamaha outboards and have years of experience with inflatable repower jobs.  Check out the packages below and, for more information, contact Mike at 203-831-5236.

Mercury 240 Sport Package  $1,999 (reg. $2,295)
All Mercury Sports are constructed with three separate internal air chambers for greater safety; numbered floorboards for hassle-free assembly; and, sleek design for improved performance and handling at higher speeds. The low center of gravity and high-strength provide stability and safety.
Features:

• Wood floor
• Length: 7’10”
• Weight: 90 lbs.
• Max HP rating: 6.0 hp

Mercury 4 HP four-stroke outboard

• Internal tanks
• Weight: 55 lbs.
• Gearing: Forward-N-Reverse

Mercury 270 Air Deck Package  $2,699 (reg. $3,095)
Take boating fun with you wherever you go with a lightweight and portable Mercury Air Deck. They’re easy to stow away in an RV or car trunk and even easier to set up—so you’re always ready whenever The Water Calls™.
Features:

• Length: 8’10’
• Weight: 81 lbs.
• Max HP rating: 9.9 hp

Mercury 6 hp Outboard

• Weight: 55 lbs.
• Gearing: Forward-N-Reverse
• Extras: 3 gal. fuel tank included

Zodiac Cadet 310S Package $2,900  (reg. $3,400)

With its welded structure, this light tender offers a unique stability and an astonishing load capacity.
Features:

• Wood floor
• Length
• Weight
• Max HP rating:

Mercury 6-hp Outboard Motor

• Weight: 55 lbs.
• Gearing: Forward-N-Reverse
• Extras: 3-gal. fuel tank included

(click here to return to the main menu)

The REX Inflatable Boat Experience
vs. The Discount Houses

Your mail box is no doubt filling up with holiday season brochures from the marine discount houses -- inflatable boats at super mark-down prices  … buy on line ...  close out specials ... etc.  The discounters sell and lot of boats and their offers are certainly tempting. But did you know that REX Marine Centers usually meet or beat the discount house prices?  What’s more, REX inflatable specialists are marine professionals who can help you find the perfect boating item for your needs.
      One of our specialties is inflatable boat/outboard engine combinations. The REX professionals will mount the engine, controls, and electronics to your new inflatable boat and make sure it all works before delivery. We’ll also check to see you have all the safety equipment you need; we’ll register your boat saving you a dreaded trip to the Connecticut  DMV; we’ll fit the correct trailer or  install a convenient Weaver davit system; and we’ll help you and your family learn how to use your boat safely and effectively.
       More important, we’ll help keep your boating experience safe and fun by providing annual inspections and any necessary servicing in our own facility. REX Marine is the regional warranty repair center for Zodiac and Mercury inflatable boats as well as Mercury engines. The discount center boats must ship out their service and repair boats and motors, and some even come to REX for service because most discount centers do not have the facilities or expertise to support inflatable boats or engines.
      So certainly look through the discount catalogs, but come to us for competitive quotes and our specialists’ expertise. REX has been in the business of creating family on-water fun since 1936. Let us help you get the most out of your boating investment.

(click here to return to the main menu)

Ship Models Under the Tree?

Put a little summer under the Christmas tree, says Rex Center Stores manager Mike Maver.  Rex now has displays of world-class boat and ship models and other nautical curiosities at the Rex SONO and Cove Marina stores.
      Authentic Models Company– now called just AM – has been making the most beautifully crafted, museum-class ship models and other maritime collectables for over 35 years.  And, the Rex Stores are among the few authorized AM sales centers in New England.
      The AM collection can be viewed on line at www.authenticmodels.com, or you can visit either Rex Store at to see examples of the company’s craftsmanship or explore the catalog. The AM collection of eclectic items from around the world offers choices for those “who dare to combine classic and modern themes in their homes.” The aim of the AM designers is to challenge the eye as well as the mind.
      Rex has several magnificent models in stock and we can have just about any item you select from the AM on-line catalog shipped to you before the holidays.
     The AM model fleet ranges from 1930s classic runabouts to the world’s greatest sailing ships.  The collection includes the grand trade ships, famous racing yachts and traditional work boats.  How about a Yarmouth Cutter or a Long Island Express boat for your mantle?


AM also has a wonderful collection of antique globes from the 16th century forward to the 20th century and complete mounting and display accessories.
      Rex Stores also carry a wide selection of nautical books, navigation gear and electronics as well as clocks and weather displays. Our specialists can help you pick the perfect gift for the boater in your family.

(click here to return to the main menu)

Help with Your Winter Project

Rex Marine Parts Department, located at the Water Street store in South Norwalk, is the place to go when you need the correct marine parts in minimum time. It’s also a great place to discuss your winter boat project with the Rex experts. The parts department is fully stocked with genuine Mercury/Mercruiser, Yanmar, Yamaha and Crusader parts and assemblies. Additionally, Rex Stores in SONO and at Norwalk Cove carry a complete line of marine finishes, fiberglass cloth and resins along with books on modern boatbuilding and repairs. So, if you are spending your winter hours tackling a marine do-it-yourself project, drop by for all your needs. And if your project involves outboard motors, outdrives or inboard engines, be sure to order the appropriate factory service manual. Consulting the manual before you tear things apart can save hours of frustration and substantial money.

(click here to return to the main menu)

USCG Aux Needs You

Are you looking for adventure while serving your country and your community? If you are looking for some adventure in your life, consider joining the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Wherever your interests lie, and whatever life skills you have, chances are that the Coast Guard Auxiliary can offer you an area to serve that will enrich your life in ways you may not have imagined.
     The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers an exciting variety of programs, and Flotilla 72 right here in Norwalk has plenty of opportunities for you to lend a hand. When you become a member, you chose which of the many Coast Guard programs you'd like to get involved with - as few or as many as you'd like! 
     The Auxiliary offers you a unique opportunity to make a real difference in your local community and across the country. We welcome and recognize your past experience, skills and talent. We challenge you to have fun learning new skills and qualifications in company with a very special group of volunteers. The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers a number of opportunities, but the tasks can generally be divided into three service areas:

• Recreational Boating Safety
• Operations and marine Safety
• Mission Support

Auxiliarists are able to partake in training and perform missions in any of these areas.

Recreational Boating Safety
One of the Auxiliary’s primary missions is recreational boating safety. This mission is accomplished by qualified members delivering Public Safety Boating Education training and classes, by providing voluntary vessel safety checks to boaters, by visiting with and educating local marine related industries, and by general outreach to the boating public through boat shows and other public venues and events.

Operations and Marine Safety
For those interested in boating, the Auxiliary offers a rigorous level of hands-on training and qualification as boat-crew and coxswain. Qualified Auxiliarists perform regular safety patrol missions in their local area and support local boating activities on-the-water such as regattas, fireworks and fleet visits.

Mission Support
The Auxiliary needs people with leadership, administrative and technical skills (such as web site design, computer server administration, graphic design, photography, videography, communications, public relations/public affairs, instruction and instructional design, and personnel services) to support those Auxiliarists involved in the recreational boating safety and operations & marine safety missions.
     In addition, the Auxiliary works side-by-side with their active-duty USCG counterparts in many other mission areas, including environmental protection, Commercial Vessel Safety Inspections, Port Security and Planning, Licensing and Documentation, and other vital operational roles. Auxiliarists receive training virtually identical to that of their active duty and reserve counterparts (with the exception of law enforcement and military specific tasks). 
     Most Flotilla 72 activities are conducted at the Dominic Lametta Training Center located in Calf Pasture Beach Park in South Norwalk CT. If you want to learn more, call 203-838-1200 and leave us your name and contact information.  A Flotilla 72 officer will return your call and answer all your questions.

(click here to return to the main menu)

Peace of Mind When you Boat ….
Marinalife provides the boating community with the most extensive web directory of marina information. In addition to this directory our members can access our unique marina reservations system, trip planning, weather, maps/charts, mileage, marina reviews and so much more. Marinalife helps make your boating experience easy, convenient, and hassle free by offering these services online or by calling toll free: 1-800-736-8275.

Marina Reservations - Never call a marina again!
Make a reservation at any marina in the United States, Canada, Bahamas, Caribbean, and Central America for transient and long-term dockage and moorings.

Travel Planning - Take advantage of recommendations & reviews.
Cruise using one of our pre-planned itineraries or we can customize to popular cruising destinations such as the Bahamas, ICW, Florida, Chesapeake Bay, Great Loop, or Long Island.

Marina Information - Find all the information you need on one site.
Access to detailed marina information, satellite maps and charts, weather, tides, restaurant and local information, and preferred rates on dockage, fuel, services, restaurants and much more.

Preferred Rates – Save hundreds of dollars on dockage and fuel.
Members receive preferred rates on dockage, fuel, services, restaurants and much more.

Rex Marine customers receive up to 25% off the membership fee. Visit www.marinalife.com or call 1-800-Rent a Slip (800-736-8275) and use promo code: rexmarine01 to receive your discounted rate.

(click here to return to the main menu)

Winter Boating – Take Care out There

Recreational boaters face the highest risk of dying in boating accidents during the winter months according to the most recent U.S. Coast Guard statistics, though fewer accidents occur during those months. Nearly one quarter of all boating accidents reported in November and December 2003 resulted in a fatality.  This is compared with seven percent in July, the busiest month for recreational boating activity. 
“Many boaters believe the risks are highest during the warmer months, when waterways are more crowded,” says Rear Adm. J.W. Underwood, U.S. Coast Guard director of operations policy.  “Our statistics show the opposite – boaters are most at risk of dying during the colder months.  Boating safety should be a concern throughout the entire year, not just during peak boating season.”
Hypothermia is the leading cause of cold-water boating fatalities and the primary reason the fatality rate is higher in winter. Hypothermia is caused by a decrease in the core body temperature to a level at which normal muscular and cerebral functions are impaired.  This can lead to loss of motor ability and unconsciousness.
The most important safety precaution a boater can take to prevent hypothermia is to dress appropriately.  Layered clothing combined with a float coat, a full jacket that protects against the elements and has the buoyant properties of a lifejacket, will increase a boater’s chances of survival if they are stranded or wind up in cold water.  Anti-exposure coveralls or cold water immersion suits are ideal because they combine protection against hypothermia with the buoyancy of a lifejacket. 
"Accidents happen much faster than boaters realize," says Underwood.  "Warm clothing won’t make a difference if you’re knocked unconscious and wind up in the water without a lifejacket.”
The Coast Guard asks boaters to take full responsibility for the safety of themselves and their passengers.  The Coasts Guard’s message to boaters is “You’re in Command. Boat Responsibly!”  This means always wearing a lifejacket and requiring your passengers do as well; never boating under the influence, taking a safe boating course and getting a vessel safety check from your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or United States Power Squadrons.  Boaters who are in command and responsible for their vessel’s safe operation are crucial to reducing the number of boating accidents and fatalities.
For information on winter safety clothing and gear, contact Mike Maver at Rex Marine Center SONO store or Scott Martin at the Cove Marine Store.

(click here to return to the main menu)

Inflatable Boat Winter Storage

The no-hassle way to deal with inflatable boat winter storage is to bring your boat to the Rex Marine Service Center. We’ll wash it; inspect it; store it; and hand it over to you in the spring ready for a trouble-free boating season. Call the Rex Service Center at 203-831-5234 for details.
If you decide to store the boat yourself, read your owners’ manual. Following the instruction in the manual will prolong the life of your boat.
Begin by cleaning the boat thoroughly. Some inflatable boat materials can be harmed through improper cleaning with strong detergents (acid, trichloroethylene, mineral spirits) or silicone-based products. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Never use high-pressure cleaning equipment.
You can store your boat partially inflated or deflated. If you chose the former, expect it to deflate about 20-percent in the first 24-hours. That’s normal. If you deflate the boat, check that the valves and gaskets are clean are not damaged and that the self-bailer is not clogged.
Store the boat in a cool, dry area that is protected from excess exposure from the sun. Cover the boat to block direct sunlight exposure if the boat is to be stored outside for an extended period of time. Ideally, you should store your boat in a clean and dry place that is not affected by major variations in temperature and other damaging factors.
In New England, be especially careful to isolate your boat from rodents and raccoons. Rodents like to nest in the folds of stored inflatable boats and both rodents and raccoons love to chew on boat fabric. Rodent damage accounts for most of our spring repair work.

(click here to return to the main menu)

© 2007 Rex Marine Center
William Gardella Jr., Publisher. Richard N. Aarons, Editor. Mike Perry, Art Director
Rex Marine Center, 144 Water Street, South Norwalk, CT 06854. 203-866-5555. Vol. 06 No. 4